Hawley Brownies Collect Food

For Newtown Families

By Dottie Evans

Hawley School Brownie Troop #611 and Junior Troop #433 have been running a food drive since the beginning of October, and last Thursday, October 16, was the day they brought home the bacon, so to speak.

Of course, bacon, a perishable, was not among the items donated. But a quick glance over the many bursting grocery bags and filled-to-the-top cardboard boxes the Brownie troops deposited at Newtown’s Department of Social Services front door revealed that the success of their drive was exceeded only by the variety of their offerings.

According to Brownie Troop #611 Leader Cathy Reiss, more than 650 items were collected, including cereals, canned goods, paper goods, dry goods, personal products, diapers, and cleaning products.

Before the products could be distributed to Newtown’s needy families, all items would be checked over and shelved by Acting Director of the Social Services Department Ann Piccini, who was on hand to greet the two troops. Ms Piccini routinely checks the expiration dates for all canned and boxed food items that are brought into the department food pantry, and she double wraps the pasta or grain products to keep them fresh.

“You have been very generous, and I know our families will be able to use all these things. We are very grateful,” said Ms Piccini.

Then she led the approximately 17 Brownies and their leaders on a brief tour of the pantry located at the rear of the Social Services Department offices, on the main floor of Town Hall South.

The pantry shelves that filled the room from floor to ceiling looked well-stocked, and the Brownies’ contributions had yet to be added.

“We’re in pretty good shape right now, and it’s a good thing we are because the cold weather is here. Already this morning, I’ve had nine families come in for soup and other products,” said Ms Piccini.

When asked how they were able to gather so much food from their schoolmates over a mere two weeks, the Brownies said they had sent home notices, placed signs on all the floors, left decorated boxes in strategic places, and had used the public address system to announce the food drive.

“There has been a steady stream of products, but we encourage everyone to continue giving, especially with winter coming,” said Social Services Department Secretary Joanne Klopfenstein.